Hey guys, I don't mean this as a condescending e-mail or anything, but to be honest this "Reasons for split..." thread seems to be kinda degenerating. I mean, I don't really see how this is helping situations much, and it has actually really depressed me. Prior to this I had never seen any major jurisdictional fights in the Oriental Orthodox Churches, and it was something I took great joy in.

So I'm not sure why I'm writing this really, I just think that it might be best to take this discussion offline.

Pray for me.

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Agape,Ãƒâ€šÃ‚ Ãƒâ€šÃ‚ Ãƒâ€šÃ‚ Ãƒâ€šÃ‚ Ãƒâ€šÃ‚ FortunatusAmen, maranatha!"A man's life or death cometh from his neighbour; if we benefit our brother we benefit ourselves, and if we offend him we sin against God." - The Great Abba Antony

Indeed, it is a depressing situation to read, to write about, to experience, etc., and that is among the reasons why I have decided not to continue the discussion for the time being. It is important to remember, though, that every Church and every communion of Churches has its problems...we shouldn't pride ourselves on being more peaceful with each other, because we have our disputes. Instead, we should work to solve our problems as brethren. At any rate, I think it is safe to say that much prayer is necessary, and that is something I don't think anyone would have a problem with.

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"Do not tempt the Mor thy Mod."

Mor no longer posts on OCNet. He follows threads, posts his responses daily, occasionally starts threads, and responds to private messages when and as he wants. But he really isn't around anymore.

No, ignorance is not bliss, Paradosis - this is not what I am advocating. I was merely saying that I was disappointed that something that I took great joy in has been taken away from me, that's all.

That thread, however, is degenerating, we've heard from both sides what it means - that is important. Heated discussions and passion are usually what fuels division, not what heals. Nor do I think that unity is going to come about through OrthodoxChristianity.net. I think it's important to discuss these topics, but not to go completely overboard with them, or get excessively passionate about them. Peace and calmness of heart are pretty important for dialogue.

Asking your prayers.

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Agape,Ãƒâ€šÃ‚ Ãƒâ€šÃ‚ Ãƒâ€šÃ‚ Ãƒâ€šÃ‚ Ãƒâ€šÃ‚ FortunatusAmen, maranatha!"A man's life or death cometh from his neighbour; if we benefit our brother we benefit ourselves, and if we offend him we sin against God." - The Great Abba Antony

I would suggest that in addition to prayer, you speak with your bishop about involving His Holiness more in the matter. As far as I know, this is the only source of tension between the SOC and COC, otherwise, it feels like we are the same Church.

There are two roads (or three if things stay as they are) that can come of this. 1) Communion is reestablished. Yipee! 2) SOC ends communion with those who don't honor the excommunication. #2 would be a tragedy, but it is quite possible. I think #1 is much more likely, and I have great hope that if there was a synod between our bishops, this situation would be resolved.

In spite of how heated things get, I stand by my statement earlier that reconciliation won't take much... it will take a few saints.

Begging all your prayers, and hope I have offended none. I wasn't accusing any of warmongering.

Begging prayers from all of you.

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Agape,Ãƒâ€šÃ‚ Ãƒâ€šÃ‚ Ãƒâ€šÃ‚ Ãƒâ€šÃ‚ Ãƒâ€šÃ‚ FortunatusAmen, maranatha!"A man's life or death cometh from his neighbour; if we benefit our brother we benefit ourselves, and if we offend him we sin against God." - The Great Abba Antony

Agape,Ãƒâ€šÃ‚ Ãƒâ€šÃ‚ Ãƒâ€šÃ‚ Ãƒâ€šÃ‚ Ãƒâ€šÃ‚ FortunatusAmen, maranatha!"A man's life or death cometh from his neighbour; if we benefit our brother we benefit ourselves, and if we offend him we sin against God." - The Great Abba Antony